Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, has stated that 30 communities of Ogoni now have access to potable drinking water in the ongoing cleanup of the area. HYPREP also said it is launching Civic Education and Constructive Engagement, CECE, Campaign in the coming weeks, to train stakeholders and communities on peaceful dialogue to allow for a sustainable remediation. The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, spoke disclosed this in Port Harcourt, yesterday, at the quarterly Interactive Session with youth of Ogoni. Zabbey noted that the meeting provides the opportunity for HYPREP and Ogoni youths to engage in meaningful dialogue, obtain necessary feedback, strengthen the existing partnership and ensure parties remain aligned toward environmental restoration and sustainable development in Ogoniland. The PC said HYPREP is drawing from a new policy thrust that prioritizes the timely completion of all projects within stated timelines, noting that as a community-based project, HYPREP understands the urgency of protecting the environment and improving livelihoods in line with its mandate.
Zabbey stated that 10 water facilities spread across the four local government areas of Ogoni have been completed and commissioned, noting that 30 communities in Ogoni now have access to good drinking water. He said “Work on providing potable water is being fast-tracked to ensure that more communities access clean and safe drinking water. In February 2025, HYPREP commissioned additional water facilities in the Beeri and Bunu communities in Khana and Tai Local Government Areas, respectively. This brings the total number of operational facilities to 10, supplying potable water to 30 communities in Ogoniland. We have also achieved significant milestones in the ongoing construction of new water facilities in various communities across the four Local Government Areas, particularly in Bodo, Uegwere-Boue, Gwara, Taabaa, Okwale, Aleto, Kaani, Deken, K-Dere and Borobara communities.
“We are determined to commission these facilities in the third quarter of this year. Recall that the first water facility was commissioned in 2023 upon the assumption of office by this administration, and we have sustained this effort, ensuring that more communities have access to potable water for overall public health and well-being.” Zabbey commended the Minister of Environment and Chairman of the Governing Council of HYPREP, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the people-centered leadership and guidance that has ensured sustainability of the project. The Project Coordinator urged the youths of the area to refrain from spreading falsehood against the project, noting that the CECE project would create room for dialogue on any issue.
“Therefore, I urge you to remain committed to constructive engagement. Embrace dialogue and negotiation as your most potent tools for resolving conflicts and driving advocacy and progress. By utilising the platforms available, we can collectively influence policies and decisions that benefit Ogoniland. In line with this, I am pleased to announce that HYPREP will launch the Civic Education and Constructive Engagement (CECE) Campaign in the coming weeks. This initiative will sensitize the Ogoni people, including youths, on the importance of peaceful dialogue, active citizenship, civic responsibilities, and collaborative development efforts”, he said.
30 Ogoni communities get potable drinking water from HYPREP
